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Few people pay attention to this silent witness history, since
few have heard about it. Few even know that the Bhau
Daji Lad Museum exists. Named as the Victoria and Albert
Museum in 1872 (named after the one in London), it is the
oldest museum in Mumbai. For the past one and half years it
has been under renovation under the strict supervision of
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Mumbai. (INTACH)
Amidst the grounds now referred to as the Jijamata Udyan
(Garden) it was earlier known as the Victoria Garden/Zoo. It
makes for a beautiful backdrop to a museum in Mumbai. To the
casual observer, the museum appears quaint
and quite old, a square single storeyed
building covered with windows, slender pillars, wrought-iron
railings, elegant arches and high painted ceiling. Inside, the
structure was painted in an even off-white colour. In the midst
of all this you, would find heavy glass cases, oversized
pedestals and fading information panels with labels that have
turned yellow with age.
Now, the look has changed with the efforts of INTACH. the yellow paint has been pealed to reveal the gold ornamentations
on wall corners, ceilings, hand railings and pillars; magenta
and blue colours has been used to paint the pillars. The look is
stunning. It is no longer faded, old and musty. It has been
rejuvenated.
The story begins in the 1840s when Bombay came into East India
Company hands. Dr. Buist, a collector conceived the idea
of having a museum in Bombay. The idea took roots in and
gradually, he was able to create the Central Museum of Natural
History, Economy, Geology, Industry and Arts. Lord Elphinstone,
the Governor of Bombay Presidency, was among its early
patrons. In 1855, the museum had funds of Rs 6,000, a humble
beginning. The curator was authorised to draw just Rs 86 per
month to cover the ordinary contingencies.
Few people know that Sir George Birdwood, who wrote celebrated
works like The Industrial Arts of India, and Sva, was among
the first curators of this museum. He was appointed in 1858,
after the revolt of 1857. For 10 years, he collected for the
museum, and supervised its growth, with the active help and
support of Indians such as the nagar seths of those times like
Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, Framji Nusserwanji, and Jagannath
Shankarsheth.
Ramkrishna Vitthal Lad, also known as Bhau Daji Lad was more
actively involved. He, together with a number of his colleagues
and men of influence, conceived the idea of erecting a new
building for housing this collection, and naming it in honour
of the Queen Empress of India, and the Prince consort. The
museum that started as the Central Museum of Economic Products
was christened as the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1862.
The museum, an archive of the communities that migrated from
across the country to Bombay has, in addition, a library that
contains rare maps and several old manuscripts and books that
reveal Mumbai’s history.
In 1975, Bombay Municipal Corporation that runs this museum
decided to name it after Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. It is still
under their jurisdiction.
A great deal of time has rolled by, and the collection has
expanded somewhat - statues of Englishmen that once occupied
prominent positions have moved out into the attached garden.
Although some major changes are in the offing, labeling,
lighting and increasing the collection need to be looked at.
The 150-year old look has changed – it has got a fresh life
and look, bright surroundings and interiors – a new lease
brought on by Vikas Dilawari, conservationist architect
working with INTACH. But wait, the museum will be inaugurated
(reopened) soon with great pomp. It has arrived at last, for
people will look again and remember its lost glory.
The collection includes clay models equivalent of firka paintings made for the British
in the ‘Company’ period—‘illustrating’ Indian types, and
costumes, and trades and professions; finely wrought silver
and copper ware; votive bronzes to fossils and minerals,
delicate ivories to models of temples made from pith.
Scattered and interspersed throughout are photographs of old
Bombay and European bric-a-brac; wonderful Armour and garishly
coloured ‘fruit’ models.
Location:
Bhau Daji Lad Musuem,
Near Byculla Station,
Mumbai
BY HARPREET KAUR
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